Redtail Rise Ashes, ashes, we all fall down

A dark figure began to stand out among the bleak surroundings. Diane was moving slowly, so his features came to her just as slow, but there was no mistaking the defeat in the set of his body as she approached. Her gaze lingered on his face. It was a direct reflection of the present area, and the tearful shine of his muddy eyes drew her in instinctively. The young wolf wanted to embrace the stranger, envelop him in a bubble of protectiveness from the things that creased his emotions. But that was not appropriate, and she was even surprised at herself for having that thought. She hadn't felt such a pull since... since back in the Cove.

She realized then that she had been spending so much time recovering and discovering elements to her personality that simply hadn't existed before, that she had surely forgotten who she was at her core. A caregiver. A loving, sweet wolf, who never wanted to see anyone hurt. A whine hitched in her throat when she was close enough for him to hear it, and if he already hadn't been watching her too, he would realize her there now.

Keeping back several feet, she breathed evenly and watched the bedraggled wolf compassionately. "Hi," she said, barely over a whisper. "How can I help?"